How to get an L-1A Intracompany Transferee Visa?

A US employer may transfer/ bring an executive or manager of a foreign affiliated company and obtain an L-1A visa for such an employee. A foreign company may also open a new office as a subsidiary or affiliate in the United States and secure an L-1A visa for its executive or manager.

1. The Qualifying Corporate Relationship

In order to qualify for an L visa the foreign and US companies must have a specific - qualifying- relationship. The two companies must be either in a parent-subsidiary relationship (most common) or they must be affiliates -as in a majority stock ownership in both companies is sufficient to qualify. The two companies may also be in a joint venture setup where the two parent companies -at 50% each- own the company and it is then a subsidiary of both parent companies.

2. How do I Qualify to be a Beneficiary of an L-1A petition?

In order to qualify for an L-1A visa, you must be an employee of the foreign company for at least 12 months in the three years preceding the application- assuming there is a qualifying relationship as discussed above. You must be employed in a position of a manager or an executive to qualify for the L-1A visa at both the foreign company and the affiliated US company as well- in the case of a new office you will be the one operating and setting up the new business.

3. What is the Process of the L-1A Petition?

The US company must file a petition in the United States at the appropriate Service Center having jurisdiction over the proposed work location. The petition is filed on Form I-129. Once approved, the beneficiary generally will need to appear at an interview at the US Consulate of his country and then seek admission at the US port of entry in L-1A visa status. The L-1A visa is approved for an initial period of three years- or one year in the case of a "new office" petition. The maximum stay is seven years. Final note: wishing you good luck on your new adventure!

How to Get an E-2 Treaty Investor Visa?

The E-2 Investor visa is for applicants from certain countries who wish to invest in a US business enterprise or actually start one. This category is perfect for any startup company or individual entrepreneurs. The E-2 visa is generally secured through the US Consulate of the foreign country.

1. Am I Eligible to Apply for an E-2 Treaty Investor Visa?

If you are a national of a foreign state with which the United States entered into a bilateral treaty of commerce and navigation, you are generally eligible to apply. Eligibility alone will not guarantee a visa so it is always recommended to seek immigration counsel prior to submitting an application. You may find the current list of treaty countries at the following link: https://travel.state.gov/content/visas/en/fees/treaty.html. Your spouse and children of any eligible applicant may not need to be nationals of the same country.

2. What Documents do I Need to Prepare for an E-2 Visa?

Every US Consulate will have its own set of guidelines to follow in terms of submission of an application for an E-2 Treaty Investor Visa given that each country has its own bilateral agreement with the United States. These agreements are very similar notwithstanding you must carefully follow the instructions of the specific US Consulate. You will need to show that you placed your investment/ capital or assets at risk- and enough of it so that the investment is not marginal but substantial and adequate to provide beyond earning a living for the investor and his or her family alone. You will need to write a business plan- an extensive one for a five-year period to demonstrate that your business has the likely potential of generating sufficient profit. You will need to show that you as the Treaty Investor will be able to develop and direct the business - most efficiently by showing ownership of at least 50% of the treaty business.

3. How do I Start the E-2 Visa Application?

You will start by collecting the above listed documents once you secured the investment project- either investment in an existing business or by starting a new one. Then you create a profile on the online application system, pay the visa fee, submit all your documents including form DS-156E to the US Consulate of your country for review- in the specific format they wish to see. I emphasize this fact because not providing your documents in the preferred format such as a binder or tabbed pages will delay the processing of your application. Usually a few weeks later (or months- depending on the specific consulate) they will notify you that the review is complete and that they are ready for your interview.

4. At the US Consulate Interview and Afterwards

On the day of your interview, you will likely be asked specific question about your background, experience, the business enterprise and your business plan. You will likely be notified whether your application is approved at the time of the interview. Then you leave your passport at the US Consulate and it will be mailed to the address you provided in the application within a few days- with your visa stamp in it. Make sure you check that your information is correct and if so, you are ready to make travel arrangements. Good luck on your new adventure!

How to Get a B1/B2 Visa for Medical Treatment in the United States?

The B1/B2 visa category has a subcategory for entries to the United States for the purposes of medical treatment. You will apply for the B1/B2 visa at the US Consulate of your country and you must show evidence of the medical treatment to be received along with the traditionally required documents.

1. Purposes of Medical Treatment

If you are to receive medical treatment in the United States or participate in a clinical trial you must secure the appropriate visa through an application at the US Consulate of your country. At the interview you will be asked to show proof of the specific medical treatment to be received or clinical trial that you will participate in by providing documents such as a signed letter and communication with the provider facility, hospital and physician. You may wish to include further documentation of how you qualify for the treatment or clinical trial participation such as proof of your condition or diagnosis.

2. Application for a B1/B2 Visa

When you secured an approval of the specific medical treatment or participation in a clinical trial (or an invitation) you are ready to apply for the B1/B2 visa at the US Consulate of your country. You will need to submit the DS-160 form online that will ask numerous questions on your background, personal information, past visits to the United States and other travels, list of any relatives you may have staying/ living in the United States at the time and you will be asked to provide a photo at the end. You will also need to pay the visa fee. Once completed you will be able to schedule the interview appointment date.

3. Documents to Bring to the B1/B2 Interview

At the interview you will show documentation of the specific medical treatment to be received or the clinical trial you will participate in along with documents proving your intent to return to your home country upon completion of the treatment or trial. You must show evidence that you have ties to your home country such as property you own or a lease agreement, family, extended relatives and of course employment or business that needs your presence in your home country. You will also need to prove that you have the necessary finances to cover your expenses for the duration of the medical treatment or clinical trial so showing adequate funds in a bank account you have access to is key to the success of this application. At the time of the interview you will be told whether your application is approved or not.

4. After the B1/B2 Interview

If all goes well and your B1/B2 application is approved, you will then be issued a visa stamp in your passport. In practice you will leave your passport at the US Consulate and they will mail it to you to the address you provided in your DS-160 form at the beginning of the application. Once you receive your passport you must check that all information is correct and if so, you are ready to make travel arrangements.